By offering the SEL Screener and seeking to understand how students feel about themselves, we are valuing our students’ voices and honoring their input as they develop critical skills. 

Parent/Guardian Notification Letters and Opt-Out Forms

Below can be found the full text content from the division's social-emotional learning (SEL) screener notification letter and opt-out form. Printable PDF translated copies of the notification/opt-out are also available below. 

Full Text Content

NOTIFICATION OF TESTING

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener

Dear Parents and Guardians:

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) commits to supporting all students’ mental wellness and social and emotional learning (SEL). The School Board has approved a screener to review students’ skills and experiences in these areas. FCPS staff will use the screener to identify strengths and needs for students in grades 3-12. The screener provides information regarding students’ experiences and how staff can support their needs.

SEL skills include self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. The screener will review these skills, as well as students’ relationships, feelings of belonging, feelings about their school environment, and mood. These factors are critical to positive academic, social, and emotional success.

All students in grades 3-12 will participate in the screener twice a year, in the fall and spring. Students reflect and report on their own skills and experiences. Screener data will only be accessible to teachers, administrators, and staff with legitimate educational interests. Results will be maintained in secure files and databases accessible only to these individuals. Screener results will be used with other data to inform practices for SEL skill development and mental wellness. Screener data will also help staff plan interventions for students with identified needs. Parents and guardians will receive an individualized report regarding their student’s screener results following each assessment window in SIS ParentVUE. School staff will be available to discuss results with families on planned support.

Schools will set specific dates for testing in each class. If you do not want your student to take part in the SEL screener, please return the opt-out form below to the school or complete the opt-out via your SIS ParentVUE account.

More information, including a short video about the SEL screener in FCPS and the screener questions, can be found on the SEL Screener webpage (https://www.fcps.edu/node/43892). Please contact your student's school counselor or the school's test coordinator with questions.

Fairfax County Social Emotional Learning Screener- OPT-OUT REQUEST FORM

If you wish to opt your child out of participating in the SEL Screener, please complete this form and return it to your child’s teacher by ______________.

PLEASE NOTE: You do not need to return this form unless you do not want your child to participate in the SEL screener this year.

CHILD’S NAME__________________________________TEACHER____________________

Parent/Guardian Signature____________________________________ Date_____________